Tyler Kropis Finds Home Away from Home at East Tennessee State University
Seekonk, MA – In a heartwarming turn of events for a young baseball enthusiast, Tyler Kropis, a senior at Seekonk High School, has decided to make a big leap from his local playing fields to the collegiate level, committing to East Tennessee State University (ETSU) as a two-way player. Despite being a whopping 13-hour drive from home, Tyler feels an undeniable connection to the school. “It felt like my hometown,” he expressed. “I liked everything about it!”
A Journey Begins
Tyler, a first baseman and left-handed pitcher ranked second in New England for the class of 2025, found himself at the center of attention from various colleges last winter. “I was working out in the batting cages when one of my coaches told me ETSU had taken an interest in me,” he recalled. “They saw some of my videos on Twitter and some PBR showcases.” Soon after, he visited the campus and quickly decided it was the right place for him.
Work Ethic Pays Off
Since the age of nine, Kropis had dreamed of playing baseball at the collegiate level and possibly going pro. “Once I hit my sophomore year, I really doubled down on my workouts and it became more realistic for me,” he said, reflecting on his journey. “On August 1 of last year, everything just clicked. Schools started reaching out, and it did feel stressful at times, but it was also exhilarating.” His PBR showcase would prove pivotal, opening doors to not just ETSU, but also several other schools including Boston College, Northeastern, UMass Amherst, and others.
What Sets ETSU Apart?
Though Kropis had a number of options, it was East Tennessee State that ultimately appealed to him. “They really liked how I play,” he noted. “I try to stay humble on the field and keep my composure while playing hard.” As he transitions to this next chapter, he plans to bring a strong bat and a solid arm to the team. “I know there’s going to be a significant amount of work with my hitting coach and in the bullpen. Being a two-way player does require more effort, but I’m excited to tackle it head-on!”
Staying True to His Roots
Being a two-way player was a big deal for Tyler. “Most coaches saw me as a two-way, and I didn’t want to limit myself to just pitching or just hitting,” he explained. “That was a huge factor in my decision.” The 6-foot-3, 205-pound athlete attributes much of his success to the support of his family and coaches. “My dad has been incredibly helpful in navigating opportunities and my coaches instilled a solid work ethic in me,” he said gratefully. “Without their guidance, I wouldn’t be where I am today.”
Excitement and Challenges Ahead
Since announcing his commitment, Tyler has felt a surge of excitement from those around him. “Everyone is super excited and supportive!” he stated, acknowledging that the distance to Tennessee will be a challenge for his family. “It’ll be tough for my parents being so far away, and I know I’ll miss them. But at the end of the day, I’m going there to pursue my passion for baseball.”
Looking to the Future
As he prepares to embark on this new adventure, Tyler has plans to major in business while pursuing his dreams on the baseball field. “I’m really looking forward to playing there,” he said, eager to explore baseball in the South and meet new friends. His goal doesn’t just stop at personal success; he hopes to help make history by bringing the first Southern Conference championship to ETSU. “It will be a big step for me—exciting and challenging, and I can’t wait to get started!”
With a bright future ahead and plenty of hard work on the horizon, Tyler Kropis is poised to make waves in his journey as a two-way player at East Tennessee State University. We wish him all the best as he steps into this new chapter of his life!
